Twitter also blocked: TRCSL

ALSO BLOCKED: TRCSL

Twitter is among the other social media platforms, which were blocked to stop the spread of rumours and false news in the wake of the violence that flared up in the North-western Province, telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) said.

Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and Instagram have been blocked since Monday.

TRCSL Director General Shamal Jayatilake told Daily Mirror the decision was taken on a request made by the Defence Ministry.

“Blocking social media web sites will help prevent the transmission of fake news or rumours that spread fear or are a threat to communal harmony,” he said. “Twitter was not blocked on previous occasions but it had to be blocked to curb the spread of fake news.”